Michigan

Michigan

Cougars were originally native to Michigan, but were extirpated from Michigan around the turn of the century. The last known wild cougar taken in the State occurred in 1906 near Newberry. There have been periodic reports of cougar sightings since that time.

Over the past few years, numerous cougar sighting reports have been received from various locations in Michigan. According to the Michigan DNR this situation is not unique to Michigan, but has been occurring in many other mid-western and eastern states as well.

Could this possibly be in the future?

At least one cougar expert believes the cat could someday recolonize the northeast United States.

Support for the protection of wolves is increasing

2015-1-5 • The Cougar Fund

A federal court order has suspended Wisconsin's wolf hunt.

Experts: Cougars Could Return to Northeast

2015-1-2 • The Cougar Fund

Many biologists agree that the northeast US possesses large tracts of suitable habitat for the cats. Now, some believe that recent long-distance dispersals suggest cougars are capable of recolonizing northeastern states they have long been extirpated from.